One to Watch: Armor Jewelry by Sandee Shin

Published November 24, 2010•Updated on November 24, 2010 at 11:45 am

Armor Jewelry

We usually think about jewelry in four distinct categories: rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. For performance artist-turned-designer Sandee Shin of Armor Jewelry, categories are irrelevant to the creation of her "body sculptures."

Take, for example, the one-shouldered "ume" body chain, which delicately drapes from the neck to the shoulder, or the twist-back "bolera," which can be worn like a vest over blouses and dresses. Neither could be called necklaces, per se, yet they meet the same need, adding a touch of sparkle and interest to a hum-drum outfit.

If you're not ready to dive into full-blown body chains, experiment with one of Shin's more conventional "body pins," which can be clipped and styled every which way. We're loving the gold mesh bow pin with three mixed chains, which is particularly cute worn as a bow-tie.